A quiz for passers-by in Portland involved questions about the presence of a potentially harmful substance in common items on Thursday. Phthalates are used in soft, vinyl plastics and can alter hormones.

ARE THERE HORMONE-ALTERING CHEMICALS IN ITEMS AROUND YOUR HOME? A LOCAL COALITION OF PUBLIC HEALTH GROUPS SAYS THERE MIGHT BE AND THEY ARE PUSHING THE STATE TO TAKE ACTION. THE ALLIANCE FOR A CLEAN AND HEALTHY MAINE IS ASKING THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION TO REQUIRE COMPANIES TO REPORT THE USE OF CHEMICALS CALLED PHTHALATES IN PRODUCTS BEING SOLD IN MAINE. PHTHALATES ARE USED IN SOFT, VINYL PLASTICS. ADVOCATES PUT A NUMBER OF HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS ON DISPLAY IN MONUMENT SQUARE TODAY TO STAGE A GUESSING GAME ABOUT WHICH ITEMS COULD BE HARMFUL. 00:01:17-00:01:23 Emma Halas- O'Connor/Allianc e for a Clean and Healthy Maine: "Of course, the game is a game that can't be won because nobody has the information they need to tell which products are safe and which ones aren't." THE STATE D-E-P IS GOING TO SCHEDULE A PUBLIC HEARING FOR LATER THIS SUMMER. FEDERAL OFFICIALS SAY IT'S NOT CLEAR WHAT EFFECT, IF ANY, PHTHALATES HAVE ON HUMAN HEALTH.

An Iranian military observation aircraft flew within 50 yards of an armed U.S. Navy helicopter over the Persian Gulf this month, sparking concern that top Iranian commanders might not be in full control of local forces, CNN has learned.